ABS Avalanche Airbag System

Tests and Actual Case Studies

The Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Davos, an independent world renowned avalanche research centre, played a leading role in the tests with the ABS-Avalanche Airbag System. The centre also receives and compiles the information on all actual cases.

We have to consider a significant number of unreported cases. Quite often the victims don’t remember the release of the avalanche as such a dramatic incident since they stayed on top due to the airbag and were uninjured. However, with over one meter of debris the complete burial without the use of an airbag cannot be excluded.

watch the video (.wmv, 268kb, 20sec.)

watch the video(. rm, 84 kb, 20 sec.)

Tests conducted by the ELSF, dated 03.10.95, partial report:

The following observations were made:

every single inflated airbag was visible on the surface of the avalanche.

1 avalanche airbag wasn’t inflated (technical problem with the trigger system), the dummy, however, was still only partially buried.

avalanche airbag was only partially inflated.

hip belt on the ABS backpack was half torn off.

Dummies with inflated airbags were totally buried (head under the snow) and were lying on their
stomachs under the airbagss. The airbags were visible on the surface.

dummies without airbag were totally buried, 4 dummies had to be located with the avalanche transceiver, 2 dummies had one ski pole showing.The depth of burial (location of head) was between 20 - 80 cm.

With the exception of the dummy wearing the only half inflated airbag all other dummies were floating further down the avalanche than those without the ABS.

Overview

fracture line
- co-ordinates 795 140 / 185 260 2,800m above sea level
- northern exposure
- 110 m long
- height 0.10 - 0.93 m averaging approx. 0.5 m
- approx 45º steepness
- approx. 1,500 m³

Legend:
1 A to 7 A dummies with ABS-Avalanche Airbags
1 B to 7 B Dummies without ABS-Avalanche Airbags
20 - 250 measured depth of avalanche debris

Results:
1 A pb 1 B cb / 80 cm VS
2 A cb / si Avalanche Airbag only half inflated, cartridge OK 1 B cb / 20 cm VS
3 A cb / si 1 B cb / si (pole)
4 A cb / si 1 B cb / 30 cm VS
5 A pb Avalanche Airbag not inflated; cartridge slightly scratched not activated
1 B gv / cb / si (pole)
6 A cb / si hip belt on backpack half torn off 1 B pb
7 A nb
1 B cb / 50 cm VS

Abreviations:
nb dummy not buried; whole body on the snow surface
pb dummy partially buried; head above the snow
cb dummy mostly or completely buried; head under the snow
si dummy found due to visible object (Avalanche Airbag, pole) or body part
20 - 80 cm depth of completely buried dummies (without ABS / with VS)
VS dummies found with avalanche transceiver

Overview of Rosställispitz avalanche, extensive test dated 03.10.95

Conclusions from Avalanche accidents in the Swiss Alps - the statistics with the main focus on burial, rescue methods and rescue equipment" of the ELSF:

If one gets caught in an avalanche the best chance for survival is to avoid complete burial. Burial victims who have parts of their body or equipment visible on top of the avalanche have the best chance of survival. The help from fellow skiers is very efficient especially with the use of transceivers. The success rate of such rescue devices has contributed to this favourable development.
This positive development in an organised rescue is partly due to the extensive distribution of modern communication tools (Cell and Radio phones) as well as fast (helicopter, search and rescue teams) and professional rescue.

Among these proven methods the Avalanche-Airbag currently offers the best possibilities of avalanche survival.

go to website... (report available in german only)

TÜV Test

Within the European Community the Dual System (two airbags) and the Compact System (mono airbag) both integrated into backpacks are considered "personal safety equipment" for the prevention of avalanche burial. In order to carry the CE label, an EC conformity certificate, the product has to have received a positive test result by an authorised inspection agency.The ABS-Systems and - backpacks have undergone tests by the TÜV Product Service, are in compliance with the EC standards and carry the CE label.

see the test details...

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